De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Zoe Chicco Launches Online Charm Builder
In time for Mother’s Day, customers can create personalized trinkets for themselves or loved ones.
Los Angeles—Zoe Chicco has long been a purveyor of charms and sentimental jewelry, and now she’s taking the concept of personalized trinkets to another level just in time for Mother’s Day.
This month, the Los Angeles-based designer, who manufacturers her array of easy-to-wear, everyday jewels entirely at her in-house facility downtown, launched an online charm builder.
“With hundreds of charms to choose from, it made sense to create a charm builder feature to offer an interactive, bespoke experience that allows our clients to visualize the end result,” explained Chicco of her inspiration for creating the design-it-yourself element.
The online tool allows customers an interactive voice in the assembly of their own necklace.
They begin by selecting a chain and, from there, add various charm options, including engraved discs, birthstones and a variety of symbols, resulting in jewelry that’s uniquely them.
“I love that each charm can be interpreted in different ways and mark significant milestones in life,” she said. “The beauty of it is that as those important moments happen, you are able to continue to build and add to your story.”
The mom to a 4-year-old son, Truman, Chicco finds herself loving the personalized aspect of charm necklaces the more her family grows.
“The first charm I wore was a shield with a pave diamond ‘T’ on it for my husband’s name,” she said. “When our son was born, I added our large dog tag with his name, birthdate and the coordinates of where he was born.
“I’ve worn those every day since he was born; you can even see his teeth marks in it from when he chewed on it as a baby.”
Each charm and chain is made in 14-karat gold, with some featuring diamonds or gemstones.
Charms retail between $65-$700, depending on the size and stones.
Prior to launching the online charm builder, Chicco began hosting an array of build-your-own-charm-necklace events, starting around last Mother’s Day with an event at Southern California fashion and jewelry retailer Elyse Walker, allowing customers to design a piece on-site and walk away with it.
“I recall one of my favorite sales that day,” she said of the first event, “a mother came in and didn’t buy a necklace for herself for Mother’s day but bought three personalized charm necklaces—one for each of her
Chicco still hosts the events at her retailers, now complete with on-site engraving.
Her next events, in honor of Mother’s Day, will take place again at Elyse Walker, as well as at London Jewelers.
The Latest
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
The retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.